Stick files



C. B. FOWLER STICK FILES Aug. 28, 1956 Filed April 9, 1954 INVENTORCbowQm nited States This invention relates to filing devices variouslyknown as stick files, bill files or spindle files, for filing papers ona vertical spike mounted on a movable base. Such unimproved stick filesare hazardous because of the exposed spike. Certain more elaborate stickfiles, having a shield over the point, adversely limit the area on thepaper being filed in which a hole can be punched and require excessiveconcentration, because of the supporting pedestal for the shield.

An object of the invention is to provide a stick file with a safetyguard for the point not requiring supporting means limiting the area ofperforation of paper to be filed or interfering with casual filing.

Another object is to provide a stick file resembling unguarded stickfiles in appearance but having the upper end normally terminating in ablunt tube end, with means of temporarily changing, when desired, theend to a spike point.

Referring to the drawing, wherein like reference characters designatelike or corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the stick file resting upon the top of adesk or table shown cut away.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing a sheet of paper tilting the devicewhile being filed thereon. The top of the desk or table is shown cutaway.

The spike 4, preferably of steel, is rigidly afiixed to the top centerof metal base 1 by fiat nuts 5 and 6. A thin-walled tube 8, preferablyof brass, slidably covers the upper walls of spike 4, extending upwardbeyond spike point 7. The lower end of tubular sleeve 8 is atent O 2encircled by offset plate 9, which is affixed to the outside end of 8.The extension of 9 slidably extends downward through slot 10 whichpenetrates open-bottom base block 1. The end of plate 9 is bent over at11 so as to limit the upward slide of sleeve 8.

In Figs. 1 and 3 the stick file is shown upon cut away desk or table 12.

In Fig. 3 sheet of paper 13 is shown in process of being filed. Thissheet had been lightly pressed obliquely downward against the upper endof tubular sleeve 4, slightly tilting base 1 and sliding both the sleeveand olfset plate 9 downward against nut 5, thereby exposing previouslyhidden point 7, which pierces the paper. Sleeve 8 slightly enlarges thehole made by point 7.

When the paper being filed is released, the stick file returns tohorizontal or normal on the desk top, sleeve 8 sliding upward and againcovering point 7, due to the weight of base 1.

Plate 9 also prevents filed papers catching under sleeve 8.

In Fig. 3 the base 1 is shown tilted on a particular edge. Any of thefour lower edges of the rectangle, however, may be used. The base may,if desired, be fashioned into any other tiltable design.

The method of attaching spike 4 to base 1 is optional. Other well-knownmethods may be used instead of that illustrated.

I claim:

A stick file comprising a hollow base adapted for mounting upon asubstantially horizontal surface, an upright spike rigidly aflixed tosaid base, a spike-encasing tube shorter than said spike and normallysurrounding the point end but freely movable so that said point mayproject beyond said tube, and an offset extension member rigidly aflixedto the periphery of said tube and projecting downward through anaperture in said base wherein its end is bent over wider than saidaperture so as to limit said extensions upward movement, said end beingadapted for normal contact with said horizontal mounting surface butmoveable below said base when tilted and said tube moved downward.

Jensen Jan. 23, 1917 Ellenwood Dec. 23, 1924

